Cpl David Wright 1 RWF - 16th September 1993

[img2=left]http://rwf-forum.co.uk//vBulletin/images/misc/poppy.jpg[/img2][img2=right]http://rwf-forum.co.uk/gallery/files/1/LegsNI93.jpg[/img2]Cpl David (‘Legs’) Wright was killed in a Road Traffic Collision on the M1 motorway near Dungannon, whilst on duty on the 16th September 1993. Cpl Wright was a member of the Battalion’s Close Observation Platoon, and was conducting a plain clothes administration duty, when the accident occurred. His partner in the vehicle, LCpl Phil Harvey was injured, but went on to make a full recovery.

Cpl Wright had joined the Battalion in 1984, having served previously with the 3rd Battalion for 18 months. He was identified as a young soldier with good potential and quickly rose to the rank of Cpl. He had packed a lot into a short time, having served as an instructor at Shorncliffe. He had also completed three tours of duty in Northern Ireland, including two with the Close Observation Platoon. In addition he was a stalwart member of the Battalion’s Recce Platoon, and was a qualified Rarden Gunner and CVRT Commander


David met his fiancée Michelle, whilst he was serving at Shorncliffe, and they had planned to get married in the summer of 1994. His funeral took place in a packed St Giles Parish Church at Wrexham, on the 23rd September 1993 followed by a private cremation. He was described as a highly respected professional soldier and a key member of Recce Platoon. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humour, energetic nature and an enthusiasm for life, which rubbed off on those around him.

His family later presented the David Wright Cup to the 1st Battalion. This trophy is presented to the Best Student on the Annual JNCO Cadre held within the Battalion.




Sources:

1. RWF Regimental Records Vol 7 IBSN 0 9525408 9 4
2. Y Ddraig Goch 1994
3. Picture of Legs/Dave Parry MC

Legs was Recce's "Mr Smooth". He was a good looking lad, with perfect white teeth, which he used to good effect by constantly smiling. He could charm the birds from the trees.

Always immaculately groomed and turned out, he even looked smart in a pair of oily coveralls. Whilst we were in Berlin, it was a running joke in the platoon, that he always turned up for morning parade wearing aftershave. A great guy, his death was a great loss to his pals in Recce.

He was a good friend, I served with him in 3rd Bn and the 1st Bn RWF, a Wrexham lad who will never be forgotten.

Val.

Legs what a guy, a really smooth dude or what, I will never forget him
one for the real good guys, had some good times together in D Coy and Recce Plt .

Here Here,

A Great bloke seved with him in Deltas and on posting in Shorncliffe.
He was going places and it was a big loss to the Bn.

"Legs" was one of my NCOs when I was 11 Pl Sgt. He was an excellent reliable soldier with a cracking sense of humour to go with it, he is sadly missed.

I shared a room with Legs in Warminster and Ternhill with Rob 47 and Joskin 94, in fact on his first day in the Battalion, 11 Platoon were milling outside, he turned up in civvies carrying his kit and Mac McCarthy told him to boxl with me. He broke my nose! What a guy, he was also an usher at my wedding with along with Eds 90.

I think all of the above say it all about Legs, never a bad word said about anyone and a great friend to all. It was a great loss and a sad day that Legs passed on, leaving a very big void in the life of so many.

Mike

It was a pleasure and honour to have worked with Legs during the Fermanagh Tour of 93. A lot of up and coming JNCO's looked up to him.

Hammy I remember the occasion well . First met Legs in Warminster and I do not have to say what a great guy he was . Fond memories of him in Fox Bay where he was one of the founder members of "The Book" .The book club was legendry and I still have the original minutes , oaths and pictures . It is my intention to organise a reunion of the book club as it is nearing the 25 year mark . This will of course be in David "Legs" Wright's honour .
Mac

That sounds like a great idea Mac, i'm sure his family would be interested to hear of it.

They have visited the 1st Bn on a few occasions to present the "Best Student" trophy competed for annually during the NCO's Cadre.

Cracking idea Mac, i'm sure all the "Book" members would be up for it!

Dave

Great lad and never a bad word said about him, quality

RIP

I am 'Legs' sister and I've just joined the forum. I have read with great pride the comments made here about Dave. As a brother he was second to none and I realise from your comments that he was a first class soldier and a friend to many. I have in my possession the 'Book' that some of you refer to and have laughed and cried at its content. I do treasure it but would be happy to share its contents or get a copy to you should you have a reunion of the 'book club'.
Regards
Wendy

Hi Wendy , great to see you on the forum . I have the original minutes and the book entries for the Falklands Tour in 1985 . The first entry was at Fox Bay where a Frisco Disco was held on 14th may 1985 . That first meeting took up at least 11 pages of the book and lasted all night with everyone sleeping where they passed out !. Looking through it brings back special memories where items discussed included Set Ups / dropping weapons / sprog members / the book oath (which we all swore ) the book night out when we returned to Ternhill and so on . You can tell now by looking at some of the entries that David was organised and whilst all those around him were getting slowly drunk , he proposed that the book should have official appointments , he then proposed an author , a president and a treasurer . I am more than happy to get this copied and forwarded to you . You may not understand many of the entries but they hold lifelong memories for all who were involved . For those other members of the book , we must make the effort to get together and remember a great friend .